The biblical sub-stories contained in the Thiruthondar epic are the faith in the life of Devasahayam Pillai

Abstract

In the stories told in the Bible, it is possible to know how deep and firm the devotion to God was in the lives of the saints. These short stories show that when ordinary simple people live with deep faith in God, God uses them as tools, dwells in them, performs amazing deeds, turns them into extraordinary people, and contributes to the sovereignty of God. Devasagayam Pillai, the main character in this story, was deeply attached to Hinduism before he converted to Christianity. A man of high honor, great wealth, and a great position in the government, he served in a distinguished manner as the king desired. While working with his Catholic friend Dilanoy, Neelkandan's family faced unexpected hardships. At that time, Dilanoy comfortingly mentioned that God blessed many times the lives of those who lived with deep faith in God despite various sufferings in the lives of people in the Old Testament book in the Bible. The story of the life of the People that he heard through Dilanoy instilled deep faith in him. Due to this he lost all his high position and wealth. Accepting Christ as everything to him and embracing Christianity, Devasagayam Pillai willingly accepted all the cruel punishments, humiliations and tortures given to the child and gave his life as a witness to Christ. God has elevated him to a holy position in heaven as a gift.On the 15^th of May 2022, the two hundred and seventieth anniversary of the death of Devasakagam Pillai, he was canonized by Pope Francis in Rome. The first Indian-born martyrs and Tamil Nadu's first saint who strictly followed Hindu family Life and became a Christian Saint.